The population is shy of 900 residents (at last count) and gets a boost each school year from the 550 or so students who attend its liberal arts school, Wells College (established in 1868 by Henry Wells, of Wells Fargo and American Express fame).

A new play based on the legend of Henry Wells, who allegedly torched the Pickens County Courthouse in 1876, may ironically help save the replacement building where Wells 'haunted face is said to be burned by lightning into a garret window.